In the last 24 hours, a total of 16 individuals lost their lives while participating in Garba festivities during Navratri in Gujarat. The victims, spanning various age groups, included a 13-year-old boy from Dabhoi, Baroda, making the incident all the more heart-wrenching.
On a recent Friday, a 24-year-old man from Ahmedabad suddenly collapsed and passed away while actively engaged in the Garba dance. Similarly, a 17-year-old boy from Kapadwanj also succumbed to an unfortunate fate during Garba celebrations. A series of such incidents have been reported across the state in the past day.
Adding to the growing concern, the 108 emergency ambulance services recorded a significant influx of calls related to heart issues and breathlessness over the initial six days of Navratri. These calls predominantly poured in between 6 pm and 2 am, the prime hours for Garba celebrations.
In response to this disconcerting trend, both the government and event organizers have been spurred into action. The state government promptly issued an alert to all government hospitals and community health centers (CHCs) located in proximity to Garba venues, urging them to maintain a heightened state of vigilance.
Garba organizers have been given explicit directives to establish accessible pathways for ambulances to respond rapidly in the event of emergencies. Furthermore, they have proactively stationed medical professionals and ambulances at the event sites to ensure the safety of participants. In addition to this, organizers have been advised to provide CPR training to their staff and ensure an ample supply of water for all participants, prioritizing their well-being during these traditional celebrations.
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